The Haunting
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Lia comes from a long line of courageous women, dating back to a Civil War survivor who single-handedly saved her Louisiana plantation house, Graymoss, from destruction. But Graymoss is haunted by a terrible evil. With clues from a diary and Favorite Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, Lia, who doesn't feel as if she's inherited any family genes of courage, must figure out what--or who--the evil wants. When Lia's parents decide to move into Graymoss, Lia isn't sure how to convince them to change their minds. But it's up to her to chase away the horror lurking inside the old house. Can she find the courage to deal with a noisy ghost who wants vengeance? From the Hardcover edition. For fans of Gillian Flynn, Caroline Cooney, and R.L. Stine comes
Age
12-17
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lia Starling
Felicia
Adam
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they discovered the secret in the story? What would you do in their situation?
Why is it important to understand the history of a place or people, as shown in the book?
What did the characters learn about trust and bravery throughout 'The Haunting'? How can we apply these lessons in our own lives?
Can you think of a time when you solved a mystery or a problem? How did it make you feel?
What role do you think friendship plays in this story? How do friends help each other in difficult times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their personal experiences.
Highlight the importance of the themes such as courage and historical significance by discussing real-life scenarios where these elements come into play.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after pivotal moments in the story to foster creative thinking and anticipation skills.
Discuss the character's decisions and actions, and whether your child would have done anything differently, fostering ethical thinking and empathy.
Create a comfortable and focused reading environment that encourages discussion and curiosity about the story’s broader themes and implications.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonist faces supernatural occurrences and mysteries that she must solve despite her fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears and understand that being brave doesn't mean the absence of fear, but rather facing and overcoming it.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As the character unravels the ghostly mysteries, she uses critical thinking and deductive reasoning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully and find solutions logically, which is a valuable skill in academics and daily life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist learns about the ghost's history and reasons for its actions, which teaches her to understand and sympathize with others' perspectives and histories.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and cultivate a sense of empathy in interactions with others.
Example Lesson: History and its impact
Explanation: The ghost's story is closely tied to historical events, integrating lessons on how history shapes the present.
Real-World Application: This can spark interest in history and understanding how past events influence current scenarios.
Example Lesson: Perseverance despite difficulties
Explanation: The character keeps pushing forward to uncover the truth, despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and determination in achieving goals, regardless of the challenges they might face.